Story From The Founder
Tanya Watkins, the founder of Why We Care NFP, started the organization in 2018 after coming face-to-face with her own truths. Adopted at a young age, she grew up in a loving household but always felt something was missing. Tanya saw a reflection of herself in the teen girls she interacted with at the group homes where she volunteered and realized that her life could have been very different. She felt a deep connection with the girls and wanted to show them that there are people out there who care about them and who want to see them triumph.
Wanting to share the same love she was shown and inspire hope in the people she met, she launched Why We Care NFP with the goal of serving as many people as she could. In their first year, they donated to women in rehabilitation programs. The following year they expanded their outreach to teen moms and the homeless.
“Nobody should be in these predicaments. Some of the situations that people end up in is not of their own control. Everyone should feel love and accepted in life and if I could fill that gap, that’s what I’ll do.”
- Tanya Watkins
Our Team
Shalynn Pickens, Board Chairperson
Carlos Redmond, Board Co-Chairperson
Anthony Poplar, Board Member
Patrice Humphery, Board Member
Kayla Watson, Board Member
Tanya Watkins, Founder & Executive Director
Our Vision
We envision...
A world where homelessness and hunger are eradicated.
A community where at-risk individuals can successfully transition back into the larger society as full and contributing members.
A society where no one faces their most vulnerable moments on their own.
We strive to help all human beings connect with the resources that will help them not only survive but, eventually, thrive: childcare, financial literacy, scholarships, job training, entrepreneurial mentorships, and sustainable employment which can lead to self-sufficient and fulfilling lives.
All of this is an opportunity for a hand-up, not just a handout. With the benefits cliff bridged and opportunities present, individuals' and families' chances of achieving economic stability and upward mobility can potentially increase. We do this as we celebrate diversity and uplift local community traditions.
Make a real difference
Donate today!
Our easy-to-use online donation portal makes it simple to give.
Our Goals
Winter 2024
Provide over 500 homeless and veterans with meals and warm weather items.
Spring 2024
Address the economic and community development issues by providing financial literacy and homeownership workshops; and entrepreneur cohorts.
Summer 2024
Tour colleges and universities with 3 teen moms.
Our Impact
Purses with a Purpose
A quarterly collection and donation of gently used purses containing personal care and laundry items to a local women’s substance abuse rehabilitation center.
Holiday Share
Fulfilling Christmas wish lists for kids and adults since 2018, each holiday season 3 families are adopted and given gifts of toys, food, small appliances, and clothing. For our annual Christmas in July event we serviced over 200 families in underserved communities in Chicago
Feed & Clothe
Between 2018 and 2023 our organization has fed and provided warm items such as gloves, scarves, and hats to over 450 people experiencing homelessness during harsh Chicago winters.
Support Our Mission
Join us as we turn care into action and make a difference in the lives of those in need.
